Kettering win stand-off against the CoPs

KM2s' first league match was certainly a surprise - the step up from the league below was more than noticeable, but Kettering more than overcame the challenge with a true team effort.
An early meet at the clubhouse saw the team eager to begin their adventure into 4 North West. Observation of the opposition whilst warming up proved that the game was always going to be tough. The game began with intense pressure from CoP 6, but the KM2s defence held strong. Most of the attacks from Kettering began in the defence, one passage of play taking only three passes to get it up the opposition 'D' and fire off a shot. Captain Richie Payne was a bastion of good sportsmanship midway through the half as a foul given Kettering's way should have been called the other way, so he politely passed the ball back to the opposition from his free-hit. The half progressed with Kettering looking like the team most likely to open the scoring - in spite of unrelenting CoP pressure, it must be said. The opposition certainly were the best KM2s had encountered for a long while ("It's an unfamiliar feeling, isn't it, having to work hard." - Neil Freeman at half time) - structured, quick and skilful, The unthinkable happened when CoP's first shot forced a save from keeper Matt Coe who hit the ground and was beached, leaving a scramble in the 'D' left a wily CoP forward to waft the ball into the goal as it fell to the floor. 1 - 0 at half time.
Kettering were disappointed, but felt a strong sense of conviction. The second half began and it was Kettering's turn to push-back. Quick runs from all on the pitch led to Oliver Smith managing to score (once again); this time it was from an airy flick from the goalie's right finding the centre of the goal. The executive committee may as well start engraving the relevant trophy now. The score was now 1 - 1. Kettering had gained some confidence and it showed, especially through an outrageous piece of skill from Tom Storey, passing the ball (blindly) through his own legs along with those of the player marking him to Adam Mills bombing it up the pitch. This superb play didn't result in a goal, but Kettering managed to push on and win a few short corners. Adam Duell managed to convert one with a rocket that hit the very top of the backboard. 2 -1. Straight from the restart, Kettering rapidly pressured CoP and won the ball back almost immediately. Smith managed to control a tough pass from Payne and subsequently found George York, who made it 3 - 1 from the back post. CoP never gave up, but couldn't find a way through; they did manage to force a great save from the Kettering keeper, but the whistle had already been blown for a CoP foot. The game ended 3 - 1, with Kettering proud of their perseverance. Next week's game against one of the endless amount of Cambridge teams will prove an even tougher test and, hopefully, Kettering will be able to rise to the challenge...

MoM: Tom Storey
DoD: Jack Bridges